Phuket president seeks solutions for traffic, proposes electric buses

Phuket’s traffic woes might soon see a respite, with Rewat Areerob, the President of Phuket’s Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), urging Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to implement measures to ease the city’s road congestion. Additionally, Rewat is advocating for the introduction of electric buses in Phuket Town, under the PPAO’s jurisdiction.

Rewat yesterday played host to travel experts and policy planning analysts from the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP). The meeting aimed to solicit opinions and suggestions for a preliminary feasibility study and preliminary concept design for a tourism route along the Andaman coast, from Ranong to Satun Province, as part of the Andaman Riviera Project.

In a significant development, Rewat also revealed that he has formally requested PM Srettha, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, to address the issue of traffic congestion in Phuket. The communication was structured around the need for the 61 year old Thai PM to consider solutions for transportation system management, including road network enhancement and the development of traffic and transportation systems, said Rewat.

“Phuket is a tourist province and is an important economic source of income for Thailand that is popular with many Thai and foreign tourists who come to visit.”

Rewat further stated that tourism is the main income source for Phuket and contributes significantly to the country’s economy, generating around 370 billion baht annually.

However, with an increase in tourists comes an increase in traffic, leading to air pollution, accidents, stress, and tarnishing the image of tourism. To counter these issues, Rewat has called for the support of the PPAO to introduce electric buses, replacing the current fleet of pink Po Thong buses operating in and around Phuket Town.

Electric vehicles

The PPAO has been planning to replace its iconic pink Po Thong buses with electric vehicles for years, with the plan ready for implementation in 2021. But repeated delays and forgetfulness have stalled the project, with the PPAO now rejuvenating the proposal for the EV upgrade. The PPAO recently announced that it has allocated 156 million Baht from its 2023 budget to buy 24 air-conditioned electric buses.

Rewat believes that the introduction of EV buses could provide an efficient and sustainable solution to traffic problems, improving the quality of life for residents, promoting tourism, and enhancing Phuket’s image. Furthermore, the PPAO is also considering establishing its own bus service from Phuket International Airport to Rawai, along with other potential routes.

Rewat urged for further communication on the matter, reiterating the PPAO’s commitment to addressing traffic congestion in the region.